More Cemetery Dirt ~ Giveaway Day 5

I promised you more tidbits about the two cemeteries that we visited in New Orleans. And here it is!

Lafayette Cemetery I ~ This cemetery is located near the Garden District of New Orleans. {The Garden District is a huge neighborhood of some of the best preserved Southern Mansions in the U.S. Most of which have immaculate landscapes.}


This cemetery features prominently in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicle books. A portion of the film, 'Interview With a Vampire' was filmed in this cemetery. This is a city owned cemetery and people of all races and religions were entombed here.



St. Louis Cemetery I ~ This cemetery is owned and administered by the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. At the rear of the cemetery is a small section set aside for Protestants and within that was a tiny parcel for Blacks. St. Louis I was once larger than it is today. 'Progress' has encroached on the fringes of the cemetery with homes being built where once there were tombs. Even part of the Louisiana Supredome sits on what was once grave sites. {Don't worry! The evicted residents were re-interred within the current cemetery walls}


This cemetery is also featured in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicle books. And a part of the movie 'Easy Rider' was filmed here.


General Cemetery Dirt ~ The practice of above ground burial is of Spanish-French influence. Though it was quite practical in an area where the water table is usually only a matter on inches below the ground's surface. A Tomb's design was a matter of personal (family) preference, with the style being whatever was fashionable at the time of construction (and the size of the wallet as a determining factor).


Marble was the main construction material but brick (covered with plaster) is also commonly used. Few tombs made from Cast Iron have survived due to the humid climate and constant care that is required to maintain them to prevent rust. Wrought Iron (much sturdier than cast iron) fences and adornments can be found in both cemeteries. Law prevents a tomb from being opened less than one year and one day from the previous entombment - this is to aid in disease prevention.


I hope you have enjoyed your tour of just two of the numerous cemeteries that can be found in the Crescent City. So until tomorrow...
"Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men....."

St. Louis Cemetery I ~ Giveaway Day 4

Well, you know us.... We couldn't visit just ONE Cemetery while in New Orleans.

We also went to St Louis Cemetery I. It is situated only one block away from the French Quarter. And has been in continuous use since its formation.

Covering only one city block, it is the resting place of over 100,000 dead. This cemetery was not laid out with any amount of symmetry and the paths between the tombs can be a maze.

Many notable New Orleanians are interred here including the renowned Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. Who is believed to be in the Glapion Family Crypt.


Visitors will leave small gifts for her and the crypt is covered with hundreds of rusty X's. It is believed that marking an X on Marie's tomb will ensure that the believers' wishes will come true.

Near St. Louis Cemetery I is the oldest surviving church in the city of New Orleans, Mortuary Chapel. It was built in 1826 as a burial church for the victims of yellow fever. It is now called Our Lady of Guadalupe and is the official chapel of the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments.

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More juicy tidbits tomorrow about the cemeteries of New Orleans!

Same Time, Same Station! See Ya Then!